Soraya Detroit: Inside the New Modern Japanese American Restaurant Downtown

Detroit’s culinary landscape is continuously evolving, with new establishments bringing global flavors to the city’s vibrant dining scene. Downtown Detroit welcomed Soraya, a modern Japanese American restaurant located in the historic Federal Reserve Building this November, promising to add a sophisticated twist to Japanese cuisine with flavors inspired by both East and West. Created by restaurateur Harold Kim, known for his recent venture Black Ginger, Soraya is set to redefine Japanese dining with a creative, modern edge in the heart of Detroit.

Soraya, Facebook

Breathing New Life into a Landmark Space

Soraya opened its doors on November 15, transforming the space once occupied by Maru Sushi for over seven years. Located on the ground floor of the Federal Reserve Building, just steps from Detroit’s bustling Campus Martius, the restaurant benefits from an expansive, 4,400-square-foot interior that has been reimagined to create an inviting yet refined atmosphere. With seating for 150, including areas for private dining and a prominent sushi bar, Soraya’s layout is tailored to serve a diverse clientele—from business professionals on lunch breaks to couples seeking an elevated date night.

The restaurant’s name, “Soraya,” merges Japanese and Korean linguistic roots. The word “Sora” translates to “sky” in Japanese, and in Korean, “sora” evokes the image of a seashell. This dual meaning aptly reflects Soraya’s culinary mission: to bring traditional Japanese flavors into a fresh, modern context while drawing on elements of Korean cuisine that pay homage to Kim’s heritage.

An Innovative and Accessible Menu

At the heart of Soraya is a carefully curated menu that brings a modern twist to Japanese dining. The offerings, officially debuting on opening day, feature an array of starters, noodles, katsu dishes, mains, desserts, and a well-rounded drink menu. Kim’s vision for the menu is both ambitious and inclusive: dishes are crafted to showcase Japanese techniques and ingredients but are presented with creative updates that make them accessible to Detroit’s diners.

Starters: The starter selection promises to offer an intriguing introduction to Soraya’s unique approach. While the specific dishes are under wraps, hints from social media suggest that guests might find delicacies like tempura-battered vegetables with bold sauces, artfully plated sashimi, and other bite-sized appetizers designed to whet the appetite.
Noodles: With Detroit’s colder months in mind, the noodle dishes on Soraya’s menu will likely provide comfort and warmth, with rich broths and umami-packed seasonings. Think of classic ramen with a twist, perhaps a miso-infused base enhanced with Korean spices or house-made soba noodles that feature seasonal toppings.
Katsu Dishes: The katsu section showcases one of the restaurant’s early stars—a crispy, citrus-brined chicken katsu served with red cabbage slaw and Soraya’s signature tonkatsu sauce. This dish exemplifies the balance of crisp textures and layered flavors that the restaurant aims to achieve.
Main Courses: The mains are expected to highlight the fusion of traditional Japanese staples with modern, innovative techniques. Guests can expect fresh nigiri and sushi rolls with an artistic twist, as well as fusion items that blend the best of Japanese and Korean influences.
Desserts: For dessert, Soraya is likely to offer a range of Japanese-inspired sweets, such as matcha-infused pastries or mochi with seasonal fillings, a perfect finish to an elegant meal.
Drink Menu: Soraya’s drink offerings are crafted to elevate the dining experience with a well-curated selection of sake, Japanese whiskey, and craft cocktails. Each drink has been carefully selected or crafted to complement the flavors on the menu, making the beverage experience as integral to the dining journey as the food itself.

With prices designed to be accessible, Soraya’s goal is to establish itself as a Detroit staple, where guests can enjoy high-quality Japanese American cuisine without feeling priced out. As manager Tommy Lee expresses, “We want it to be a favorite Japanese restaurant in Detroit,” envisioning a space where guests feel comfortable stopping by for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion.

Soraya, Facebook

The Creative Team Behind Soraya

Harold Kim, who has helmed the popular Izakaya Sanpei in Canton for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience to Soraya. Although his recent venture Black Ginger, a Korean American restaurant, closed after just five months due to a property dispute, the concept was widely celebrated for its inventive dishes like bulgogi-loaded fries, Korean fried chicken with gochujang barbecue sauce, and octopus skewers. Kim’s ambition for Soraya is to take the creativity he honed with Black Ginger and push it even further, creating a restaurant that resonates with both local diners and visitors to downtown Detroit.

Executive Chef Jorge Morales, who also led the kitchen at Black Ginger, brings his expertise in creating dishes that balance tradition with innovation. Morales’s approach is grounded in authenticity but embraces an experimental flair—expect bold, unexpected combinations that work in harmony. Sous Chef Coy Weller and sushi chef John Kim round out the culinary team, each bringing unique skills and perspectives that contribute to Soraya’s distinctive menu.

Designing a Distinctive Atmosphere

Beyond the food, Soraya is designed to be an experience for all the senses. The restaurant’s interior captures both elegance and warmth, reflecting a blend of Japanese minimalist aesthetics with modern touches. Thoughtfully chosen decor elements create an ambiance that feels both inviting and sophisticated, catering to guests seeking a tranquil meal or a lively evening out.

Seating has been arranged to accommodate various dining preferences. Guests can choose to sit at the sushi bar, where they can watch chefs expertly prepare fresh nigiri, or opt for more private seating in intimate booths and tables. The private dining area is ideal for celebrations or business gatherings, while the spacious main dining room offers flexibility for groups of all sizes.

Soraya, Facebook

Blending Cultures and Innovating Flavors

Soraya stands as an embodiment of the fusion of Japanese and American culinary cultures, enhanced by the subtle influences of Korean cuisine. Dishes like the tempura broccolini, topped with gochujang aioli, lemon zest, and crispy garlic, pay homage to Kim’s Korean heritage while seamlessly fitting into a Japanese American menu. This creativity and adaptability—traits that defined Black Ginger’s menu—are evident in Soraya’s offerings as well.

“Our goal is to bring authentic flavors but with a modern twist,” says Kim. This philosophy is apparent not only in the food but also in the service, ambiance, and overall experience Soraya aims to deliver.

Impact on Detroit’s Dining Scene

Soraya’s opening comes at an exciting time for Detroit’s culinary scene, as the city continues to embrace diverse, international flavors. Japanese cuisine, in particular, has been steadily gaining popularity, and Soraya’s modern approach brings a new dimension to this trend. By positioning itself as both accessible and innovative, Soraya caters to a wide range of patrons, from sushi enthusiasts to those who may be newer to Japanese dining.

Detroit’s downtown is already home to several notable restaurants, but Soraya aims to set itself apart with its commitment to quality, creativity, and affordability. The restaurant’s central location makes it convenient for office workers and tourists alike, and its sophisticated design and carefully crafted menu add to the city’s growing reputation as a dining destination.

Looking Forward: Soraya’s Place in Detroit

As it prepares to open its doors, Soraya promises to be more than just a restaurant—it aims to be a culinary landmark that captures the spirit of Detroit while celebrating the flavors of Japan and Korea. With reservations already open on Resy, excitement is building, and the team is ready to welcome diners to experience a unique journey through Japanese American cuisine.

Harold Kim, Tommy Lee, and the team are hopeful that Soraya will become a cherished spot within the Detroit community. With a thoughtfully crafted menu, an experienced and passionate team, and a beautifully designed space, Soraya is set to make its mark, offering a modern twist on Japanese dining that resonates with the spirit of innovation and community at the heart of Detroit’s food scene.